Driven to success
We are a nation addicted to our cars with 73 per cent of households in England now owning 1 or more cars. Giving up your car may not seem like an easy option so start by becoming a smarter driver. It can help you become a safer and more efficient driver, save you money on fuel costs and cut down on carbon dioxide emissions.
Here are ten handy tips to help you:
- Speed Demon - the most efficient speed is around 45-50mph, depending on your car. Faster speeds will greatly increase your fuel consumption. At 70mph you will use around 10 per cent more fuel than at 50mph.
- Rev-elation - when you change up a gear check your rev counter. Change up between 2000rpm and 2500rpm.
- As far as the eye can see - read the road, anticipate road conditions to avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
- Fancy footwork - step off the accelerator, remain in gear but take your foot off the accelerator as early as possible, for example when approaching a red light or roundabout. This reduces the fuel flow to the engine to virtually zero.
- Fast getaway - modern cars are designed to be driven off straight away. Warming up the engine just wastes fuel.
- Under pressure - check your tyre pressure, under inflated tyres are dangerous and increase fuel consumption. Check your tyre pressure once a week and remember to look in your car manual to find out the correct tyre pressure for your car.
- Cool breeze - use air conditioning only when really needed as it makes a big difference to the amount of fuel you use. At high speeds air conditioning is better than opening a window as this greatly increase wind resistance and fuel consumption.
- Take a load off - drive only with the accessories you need. Roof racks, bike carriers and roof boxes significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency. One study indicated that at 75mph a roof rack will add up to 15 per cent to your fuel consumption, and a roof box up to 39 per cent.
- Idle waste - modern cars use virtually no extra fuel when they're re-started, so if you're stuck in a jam for more than a minute switch off your engine.
- From A to B - plan your journey to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost!
The Energy Saving Trust has lots of useful advice on driving smarter.
Around half of all the car journeys we make in the UK are less than five miles. Here are some surprisingly easy ways that you can reduce your mileage.
- Car sharing to work or the shops or sharing the school run with other parents.
- Buy the groceries you need for a week in one go rather than making several shopping trips.
- Find out if your company has a home working policy.
- Co-ordinate your activities. For example, visit the doctor, dentist and hairdresser on one day to reduce car trips.
- Shop on the internet where possible.
Walking or cycling instead of driving will improve your health, save you money and reduce your carbon footprint. For longer journeys consider using public transport. It may be quicker, easier and even cheaper than paying for fuel and parking. Look out for the weekly or monthly saver fares that many companies offer.
Use the East Midlands Journey Planner to find the best bus and train options for your journey. Get information on Derbyshire Bus timetables and route maps to find the best route for you. If you're going further afield then try National Rail and National Express for train and coach information.
Please note that the Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.
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